Libya Declares Emergency as Floods Kill and Isolate Communities

Flash floods across southern, western and northern Libya destroyed roads and bridges, swept away cars and left people dead. The interim Government of National Unity declared a state of emergency, and rescue teams evacuated stranded families as Mizda and Nesma faced severe damage. Hospitals appealed for medical supplies, roads were closed, and at least two deaths were reported in Nesma with others missing.

The emergency declaration followed flooding that struck multiple Libyan regions, with southwestern communities Mizda and Nesma especially affected from Thursday. In Mizda, a collapsed bridge on the Tininai route cut off access, while fallen power towers and damaged roads added to the disruption. Authorities sent heavy equipment and an air ambulance, and told residents to remain indoors.

Nesma was labeled a disaster zone after trapped families were evacuated and searches continued for missing people. Its hospital warned of depleted medical supplies, and all entry roads were shut. Elsewhere, flooding closed the Bani Walid–Tarhuna road, prompted rescue of a well inspector in Ghadames, and led Tripoli’s electricity provider and the Red Crescent to activate emergency monitoring.